How does strong infection prevention leadership reshape long-term care? In this episode, host Lerenza Howard sits down with Tiberius Stanescu, RN, CIC, LTC-CIP, to explore how certification, regulation, and national standards are elevating care for older adults. Hear how Canada's approach is informing global best practices—and what long-term care teams around the world can learn from it. Hosted by: Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guest: Tiberius Stanescu, RN, CIC, LTC-CIP Tiberius Stanescu is a globally educated Registered Nurse with diverse clinical background spanning multiple medical specialties. He began his nursing career in 2000, specializing in operating room procedures and plastic and reconstructive surgery, before discovering a deep passion for long-term care. His leadership in this field led him to serve as Assistant Director of Care and director of nursing role, where he furthered his expertise in infection prevention and wound management. In 2015, Tiberius joined the Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) team at Scarborough Health Network and earned his Certification in Infection Control (CIC) in 2018. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a pivotal role in the IPAC hub, reaffirming his commitment to long-term care. Tiberius has contributed significantly to the field through his involvement with the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC), helping to develop the Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP) exam. He serves as Chair of IPAC Canada's Long-Term Care Interest Group, underscoring his dedication to advancing infection prevention standards and enhancing care quality in long-term care settings.
What are the biggest infection prevention challenges we face today? In this special episode of the Five Second Rule, co-hosts Lerenza Howard and Kelly Holmes sit down with APIC's CEO Devin Jopp to discuss misinformation, federal policy shifts, IFU reform, global partnerships, and the vital role IPs play in public health. Hear why your voice matters more than ever in shaping the future of infection prevention. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guest: Devin Jopp, EdD, MS Dr. Jopp joined APIC as CEO on December 7, 2020. He brings to APIC more than two decades of association leadership with a wide array of experience and accomplishments from across the healthcare and nonprofit sectors. He has been recognized as one of the top 100 most influential healthcare leaders by Healthcare Management International Magazine and one of the top 50 healthcare IT experts by Health Data Management Magazine. Prior to APIC, he served as CEO for the American College Health Association, the principal leadership organization for advancing the health and well-being of the nation's 20 million college students and their campus communities through advocacy, education, and research. He has also previously served as president and CEO for the Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI), a national nonprofit advisor to the Secretary of Health and Human Services focused on enhancing the exchange of healthcare information. Before joining WEDI, he served as chief operating officer for the Service Corp of Retired Executives, a national nonprofit organization that provides business mentoring and training to American entrepreneurs. Earlier in his career, Dr. Jopp held leadership positions at URAC, an independent, nonprofit healthcare accreditation organization, and at the Health Insurance Association of America. Dr. Jopp received a Bachelor of Arts in computer information systems from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, a Master of Science in computer and information sciences from Hood College, and a Doctor of Education in human and organizational learning (EdD) from the George Washington University.
Curious how you can shape the future of IPC research? The APIC Research Network (ARN) makes it easy — with free membership, mentorship, and resources to help you learn, publish, and collaborate. Hear from Becca Crapanzano-Sigafoos and Sara Reese as they share how ARN is shaping global research, amplifying IP voices, and creating new opportunities for growth. Learn more about the ARN as well as how to join: https://apic.org/apic-research-network Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guests: Rebecca (Becca) Crapanzano-Sigafoos, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC Rebecca (Becca) Crapanzano-Sigafoos, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC is the Executive Director of APIC's Center for Research, Practice, and Innovation (CRPI). She received both her BS in Public Health, Health Education and her MPH in Epidemiology from East TN State University. She completed her Doctorate in Public Health in 2021. She has been CIC certified since 2008 and is an APIC fellow. Most notably, though, Becca is the mother of six amazing daughters, ages 11-28. Sara Reese, PhD, MPH, CIC, AL-CIP, FAPIC Sara Reese is the Director of Research at APIC's Center for Research, Practice and Innovation (CRPI) with extensive experience in infection prevention leadership across major healthcare systems including Intermountain Health, Swedish Medical Center, and Denver Health. She has led pandemic response efforts, driven healthcare-associated infection reduction initiatives, and contributed to the field through mentorship, publications, and national conference presentations. She received her Bachelor's of Science and PhD in Microbiology at Colorado State University and her MPH at Colorado School of Public Health. In her spare time, she tries to keep up with her 14- and 10-year-old boys!
How are infection preventionists gearing up for IIPW 2025? In this episode, co-hosts Lerenza Howard and Kelly Holmes welcome guests from APIC's Communications Committee Michelle Swetky and Tammy Cunningham who share creative tools, engaging activities, and superhero-inspired themes to unite and empower IPs. Join us and Stand UPPP — Unite, Prevent, Protect, Prevail — for infection prevention! Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guests: Tammy Cunningham, MBA, BSN RN, CIC Tammy Cunningham, MBA, BSN RN, CIC, is the Infection Prevention Manager at AdventHealth Kansas City Region, overseeing the Infection Prevention programs at three acute care hospitals and two free standing Emergency Departments. She worked as an Intensive Care nurse and Neonatal Intensive Care nurse until 2019 when she began her career in infection prevention, just in time for the worldwide pandemic. Tammy is active in the Greater Kansas City APIC chapter, having served two terms as the chapter Treasurer, and is currently a member of the APIC Communications Committee. Tammy is board certified in infection control, and is passionate about preventing infections in patients, especially CAUTIs, CLABSIs, and C. difficile infections. Michelle Swetky, MPH, CIC, FAPIC Michelle Swetky, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, is an Infection Preventionist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, WA. Michelle has a decade of infection prevention experience in acute and ambulatory care, with extensive experience in an oncology setting. She is passionate about expanding the field of infection prevention into the ambulatory setting and across the continuum of care. Michelle has served as the Chairman of Comprehensive Cancer Center's Infection Prevention & Control group (C3IC) from 2021-2023 and is a current member on the APIC Communications Committee. Michelle received her Master's in Public Health from the University of Michigan. She has been certified in infection prevention and control (CIC) since 2016 and became an APIC Fellow (FAPIC) in 2023.
What do therapy dogs and data-driven strategies have in common? They're both helping to move the needle on patient safety. In this APIC 2025 Annual Conference recap, hosts Kelly Holmes and Lerenza Howard spotlight two infection prevention pros. Maria Vacca shares how her hospital centralized high-level disinfection to boost safety and efficiency. Later in the episode, Rachel Hyatt unveils a heartwarming initiative that taps into the charm of therapy dogs to revolutionize hand hygiene compliance. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guests: Maria Vacca Maria earned her BSN and Masters of Science in Nursing from Drexel University, graduating Summa cum Laude for both degrees. She began her nursing career in Critical Care and transitioned to the Infection Control Department in 2004 when Infection Prevention and Control quickly became her passion. Over the course of her career, she's had the opportunity to provide oversight and obtain experience in numerous Infection Control roles including High Level Disinfection and Sterilization, Infection Prevention oversight of Ambulatory Practices and Regulatory Compliance Coordinator. Maria's Lean Six Sigma training helped her lead numerous successful performance improvement projects for which her teams have won several awards, presentations and publications. She was the principle investigator for a Covid-19 research study that was published in the June 2022 issue of AJIC. Maria received recognition as a APIC Fellow (FAPIC) in 2022. Maria and colleagues successfully submitted a poster presentation to APIC's 2025 Annual conference titled "From Decentralized to Centralized: Successfully Transforming High-Level Disinfection Practices in the Operating Room of a Large Academic Hospital." Rachel Hyatt Rachel Hyatt is a Community Health Specialist with a Masters in Business Administration. She driven by a passion for innovation and process improvement. As an Administrative Assistant with Infection Prevention for over two years, Rachel coordinated large-scale initiatives, from accreditation surveys to system-wide health campaigns. Her diverse experience in customer service, animal control, and zookeeping has given her a unique lens on behavior, shaping her approach to public education and engagement. Her ability to merge strategic planning with creativity fuels her mission to develop engaging, effective solutions in healthcare and community wellness. She is passionate about leveraging innovative ideas and interactive outreach to inspire lasting, positive change. Rachel successfully submitted an oral abstract presentation to APIC's 2025 Annual conference titled "Wash Your Paws: Using Creative Canine Marketing and Therapy Dogs to Promote Hand Hygiene Compliance."
Want to elevate your infection prevention career? Dive into this inspiring episode with Gail Fraine and Dr. Mayar Al Mohajer as they explore the value, purpose, and impact of the Advanced Leadership Certification in Infection Prevention (AL-CIP). Learn how this credential empowers professionals to lead change, drive outcomes, and shape healthcare policy. Get tips for submission success and hear firsthand experiences from these certified leaders! Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guests: Gail Fraine, CIC, LTC-CIP, AL-CIP Gail Fraine is the System Director of Infection Prevention at Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville, TN, with over 30 years of experience reducing healthcare-associated infections through evidence-based practices and high-reliability principles. A long-standing APIC member, she has held national leadership roles including Board Director and Annual Conference Chair. Gail currently serves as President-Elect of the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) and contributed to developing both the long-term care and Advanced Leadership certifications. She holds nursing degrees from Arkansas State, Belmont, and Vanderbilt, and is certified in CIC, LTC-CIP, and AL-CIP. Mayar Al Mohajer, FIDSA, FSHEA, FAPIC, FACHE, AL-CIP Dr. Al Mohajer serves as Professor of Medicine in the Section of Infectious Diseases at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, where he also directs the Infection Prevention, Antimicrobial Stewardship, Quality Improvement, and Leadership Track. He is the Chief of the Infectious Disease Section at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center and the Medical Director of Infection Prevention, Occupational Health, Diagnostic Stewardship, and Antibiotic Stewardship for CommonSpirit Health's South Region and Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center. In addition to his clinical and academic roles, Dr. Al Mohajer sits on the CBIC Board and co-chairs the National Infection Prevention Council for CommonSpirit Health. He holds multiple fellowships and certifications recognizing his expertise and leadership, including FIDSA, FSHEA, FAPIC, FACHE, and AL-CIP.
Are you ready for measles to walk through your doors? In this episode of the 5 Second Rule, hosts Kelly and Lerenza talk with experts Tiffany Dogan and Pam Falk about the measles resurgence in the U.S., response strategies, and how infection preventionists can act fast. Discover powerful tools like the APIC measles playbook and the updated APIC Text Chapter, plus real-life stories, insights, and frontline tips to keep your team informed and ready. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guests: Pamela Falk, MPH, CIC, FSHEA, FAPIC Pam Falk is President of Pamela S. Falk Consulting and a fellow of both APIC and SHEA, with over 40 years of infection prevention experience across acute, ambulatory, and long-term care settings. She has presented nationally and contributed to key resources, including the CDC/Johns Hopkins Ebola PPE training video and Elsevier's TJC/OSHA Course Review. Pam has held leadership roles within APIC, including serving on the National Education Committee and as past Education Chair of the Atlanta chapter. She developed several interactive learning experiences for APIC's national conferences and is current faculty for APIC's EPI Intensive and ASC courses. She also contributes to APIC's Emerging Infectious Diseases task force. Tiffany Dogan, MPH, CIC Tiffany Dogan is the Infection Prevention Program Manager at UCLA Health with 14 years of experience building strong IPC programs in large academic medical centers. She holds an MPH from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and is passionate about developing the next generation of infection preventionists while elevating the profile of MPH'ers in the field. She has spent over 12 years teaching infection prevention at the college level, where she brings complex concepts to life in ways that are clear, engaging, and empowering. Tiffany is a trusted voice on leading with influence – not authority – and has presented her insights at local and national APIC conferences. She approaches her role with a blend of science and soul, knowing the most meaningful impact happens at the intersection of character and connection. Resources: Project Firstline micro-learn APIC website on measles with CDC links APIC Playbook
In this episode, our hosts chat with Dr. Rebecca Crapanzano-Sigafoos and Frankie Catalfumo about APIC's updated CAUTI Implementation Guide and the collaborative efforts behind it. They share the guide's origins and what inspired the guide, highlight key prevention strategies, and debunk some common misconceptions about CAUTI in healthcare. Tune in to hear the discussion about real-world implementation challenges, the distinction between essential and additional practices, and how the new tools were designed to enhance process improvement. Get inspired to "partner harder" and strengthen your IP practice! Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guests: Rebecca (Becca) Crapanzano-Sigafoos, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC (previously Bartles) Rebecca (Becca) Crapanzano-Sigafoos, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC is the Executive Director of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Prevention (APIC)'s Center for Research, Practice, and Innovation (CRPI). Becca has practiced Infection Prevention and Infectious Disease Epidemiology for the last 20 years in a variety of healthcare settings and has numerous publications focused on infection prevention staffing and endoscope safety. She received both her BS in Public Health, Health Education and her MPH in Epidemiology from East TN State University. She completed her Doctorate in Public Health in 2021 with a dissertation topic of "Assessing efficacy of an evidence-based Clostridiodes difficile screening tool using electronic medical record data." She has been CIC certified since 2008 and is an APIC fellow. Most notably, though, Becca is the mother of six amazing daughters, ages 10-27. Frankie Catalfumo, MPH, CIC, CRCS Frankie Catalfumo, MPH, CIC, CRCST is the Director of Practice Guidance and Health Equity at APIC in their Center for Research, Practice, and Innovation (CRPI). Frankie is an infection preventionist with more than 10 years of experience leading collaborative initiatives within acute healthcare and the federal government. In his current role, he oversees the development of practice guidance tools that are meaningful to the association's membership. He also leads investigative work regarding the relationship between health equity and infection prevention. Prior to joining APIC, Frankie led infection prevention initiatives at Inova Health System, the Johns Hopkins Hospital, the Department of Defense, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. From the global HIV epidemic to the threat of multi-drug resistant bacteria, all infectious agents prompt the need for effective prevention and control measures. Frankie is board-certified in infection control (CIC) and in sterile processing (CRCST). Resource: CAUTI Implementation Guide
How do infection prevention strategies vary across the globe? In this episode, Kelly Holmes and Lerenza Howard talk with infection control experts Dr. Filippo Medioli from Italy and Dr. Tatiana Izakovic from Slovakia. They explore how cultural attitudes, institutional policies, and limited resources shape infection control efforts worldwide. The conversation also compares how hospitals in different countries train and staff their infection prevention teams. Key topics include antimicrobial stewardship, the lasting impact of COVID-19 on protocols, and how innovations like AI and diagnostic stewardship are transforming the fight against healthcare-associated infections. Don't miss this vital conversation! Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guests: Filippo Medioli, MD Born in Milan, Dr. Filippo Medioli is an Infectious Diseases Specialist at Humanitas Research Hospital in Italy and a PhD Candidate at the same institution. His expertise extends to antimicrobial stewardship and clinical infectious diseases, reflected in his role as an ad hoc member of the ESGAP Executive Committee. Dr. Medioli has broadened his international experience through a clinical observership at Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío (HUVM) in Seville, Spain, from May to July 2024. Additionally, he serves as the Network Officer for the Trainee Association of European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases or ESCMID, beginning in April 2024, fostering collaboration among early-career infectious disease specialists. In his free time, he enjoys expressing his creativity through painting and drawing. Tatiana Izakovic, MD, MHA, CIC Tatiana Izakovic, MD, MHA, CIC is an experienced hospital epidemiologist and infection control specialist. She is currently a PhD candidate at Comenius University School of Medicine, where she also serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Hygiene. Dr. Izakovic has held leadership roles in infection prevention and hospital epidemiology, including serving as a hospital epidemiologist at Hospital Bory and as an infection control consultant. She is an active member of international professional organizations, including ESCMID and APIC, where she sits on the Communications Committee. Her research and presentations focus on hospital-associated infections, patient safety, and epidemiological strategies. Dr. Izakovic holds an MD from Comenius University, an MHA from the University of Iowa, and a CIC certification from CBIC.
Tuberculosis remains a pressing public health challenge, with recent outbreaks highlighting its persistent threat. In this episode infectious disease expert Dr. Matt Shoemaker dives into the TB outbreak in Kansas. He unpacks the complexities of its transmission, the symptoms to watch for, and the obstacles faced in controlling its spread. Explore how public health officials are tackling this crisis, the crucial role of identifying latent TB cases, and the broader influence of policy on prevention. Join us for an eye-opening discussion on combating this enduring health concern. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guest: Dr. Matt Shoemaker, DO, FIDSA Dr. Matt Shoemaker, DO, FIDSA, Infectious Disease and Internal Medicine, graduated from the University of Health Sciences-College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City, MO in 2000. He subsequently completed a traditional rotating osteopathic internship at Capital Regional Medical Center in Jefferson City, MO. After completion of his internship, he completed a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Infectious Disease, both at the University of Missouri – Columbia School of Medicine in Columbia, MO. He also maintains a medical practice specializing in Infectious Disease. Dr. Shoemaker is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine. He was in private practice in southeast Missouri from 2006 until 2019. He also served as vice president and chief medical officer at SoutheastHEALTH in Cape Girardeau, MO from 2014 until 2019. In 2018 he was advanced to a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. In July of 2019 he joined the University of Kansas Medical Center Division of Infectious Diseases as assistant professor of clinical medicine. He is currently an associate professor of clinic medicine and serves as the Director of the Division of Infectious Disease at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
What's the next step in your career as an IP? Join hosts Kelly Holmes and Lerenza Howard as they explore APIC's Career Development and Advancement Guide with experts Chris Zirges and Angel Mueller. This episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you evaluate your skills, build a standout professional portfolio, and navigate every career stage—from paraprofessional to executive. Whether you're looking to grow your influence or take the leap into a new role, this empowering discussion will give you the tools to shape your future as an IP. Tune in and take your career to the next level! Resources: Infection Preventionist Career Development and Advancement Guide "A framework for defining and documenting infection preventionist competency" Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guests: Angel Mueller, MPH, CIC, FAPIC Angel Mueller is a certified Infection Preventionist and APIC Fellow with over 16 years of progressive infection prevention and control and leadership experience. She is the System Director of Infection Prevention at UnityPoint Health where she provides leadership and strategic direction for multiple hospital, ambulatory and home care settings throughout Iowa, western Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Angel was a member of the APIC Professional Development Committee (PDC) for six years and served as chair of the committee for two of those years. Through her work on the PDC, Angel contributed to the updated APIC IP Competency Model, was a participating author of the article introducing the model and helped develop the Infection Preventionist Career Development and Advancement Guide. Angel is knowledgeable in the infection prevention competency domains, enjoys developing tools and systems to make infection prevention processes more efficient and effective, and is passionate about advancing the profession and supporting the development of IPs throughout the world. Christine (Chris) Zirges, DNP, ACNS-BC, CIC, FAPIC Chris is currently the System Director of Infection Prevention for SSM Health. Professional endeavors include past board member of the Certification Board of Infection Control (CBIC), current Chair of the APIC Professional Development Committee, board member on the Board of Directors for the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC), and the HAI Advisory Council through the University of Missouri (Sinclair School of Nursing). She is certified in infection prevention (CIC), board-certified as an advanced practice nurse (ACNS-BC), and a Fellow of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (FAPIC). Her doctoral focus was on reducing the number of indwelling urinary catheter days. Her experience includes practicing infection prevention in many settings, which made integrating a corporate-wide program a natural next step. Chris's interests include standardization of work and sustainment of clinical interventions. The structure and processes of a high-functioning infection prevention and control program are a key driver of success. She is from Kirkwood Missouri and proud parent of two young men – so now an empty nester!
Tune into this episode of the 5 Second Rule Podcast where hosts Lerenza Howard and Kelly Holmes interview Dr. Carol McLay, a leading infection prevention expert and 2025 APIC President. Hear about Dr. McLay's inspiring career journey including her experiences during the AIDS epidemic and the Ebola outbreak. Listen to her vision to strengthen infection prevention and control programs during her term as the 2025 APIC President. Join us for a captivating conversation on lifelong learning, global health, and sustainable preparedness. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guest: Carol M. McLay, DrPH, MPH, RN, FAPIC, CIC Dr. Carol McLay is a leading expert in infection prevention, healthcare epidemiology, and public health, with 30 years of experience advancing clinical practice, education, and research. A passionate advocate for certification and professional development, she is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of infection preventionists. Dr. McLay is the author of several foundational resources, including The Infection Prevention Competency Review Guide, 4th Edition, and APIC's Certification Study Guides (5th–7th editions). She will serve as the 2025 APIC President and currently holds leadership roles on the International Federation for Infection Control (IFIC) Board of Directors and the AJIC Editorial Board. Certified in Infection Control (CIC), a Fellow of both APIC and SHEA, and a certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, Dr. McLay brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the field. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Ottawa (Canada), her Master of Public Health from Emory University, and her Doctorate of Public Health from the University of Kentucky.
In this special holiday edition, hosts Lerenza Howard and Kelly Holmes welcome Rebecca Taylor Alvino, a board-certified infection preventionist and perioperative nurse at UCSF Health. Rebecca shares her inspiring journey from a public health background to a focused career in surgical infection prevention. Rebecca dives into the challenges of infection control, innovative technologies, and key performance indicators that enhance productivity and minimize immediate-use steam sterilization. Rebecca offers practical advice for infection preventionists when rounding in the sterile processing department, strategies to foster collaboration, and insights regarding IPs who are considering certification in sterile processing along with appropriate competencies for SPD staff. Don't miss Rebecca's forward-looking perspective on the evolving field of sterile processing and its critical partnership with infection prevention. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guest: Rebecca Alvino, RN, MS, CNS, CIC, CNOR, CRCST, FAPIC Rebecca Taylor Alvino is a board-certified infection preventionist and perioperative nurse, experiences that serve her well in her current role as System Director of Sterile Processing at UCSF Health in San Francisco. She is active with APIC, currently serving as the President-Elect for the San Francisco Bay Area chapter and most recently co-authoring the recently released update to the APIC Text Online chapter, "Reprocessing Single-Use Devices". This episode is sponsored by Solventum.
In the 5 Second Rule podcast by APIC, hosts Lerenza Howard and Kelly Holmes discuss infection prevention and control in the context of hurricanes with professionals, Lori Crow and Cindy Prins. From sharing personal experiences to breaking down the role of infection preventionists in such situations, the podcast covers a wide range of topics - from maintaining food safety during power outages to averting mold growth post-flooding. Listen to the IPC experts shed insights on the crucial role played by IPs and infection prevention measures during a hurricane. Hosted by: Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB and Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC About our Guests: Cindy Prins, PhD, MPH, CIC, CPH, FSHEA Dr. Cindy Prins is an Associate Professor in the Department of Population Health Sciences, College of Medicine at the University of Central Florida, and is part of the UCF Infectious Disease and Travel Health Initiative. She is an infectious disease epidemiologist whose research focuses on infection prevention and control in both healthcare and non-healthcare settings, and on compliance with vaccine recommendations. Dr. Prins is Board Certified in Infection Control (CIC) and Public Health (CPH) and is a Fellow of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (FSHEA). Lori Zeringue Crow, MPH, MS, CPH Lori holds a background in both microbiology and public health. After a career as a college microbiology instructor, Lori pivoted her path into public health by going back to school to obtain her MPH. Lori now works in public health emergency preparedness and response at a state health department. In that capacity, Lori is trained to prepare for and respond to all types of hazards that can impact public health. Two of the most common types of hazards her department encounters are hurricanes and flooding. Lori's experience with the devastation that hurricanes can bring is not only professional, but also personal as she has lived most of her life on the Gulf Coast. Lori believes infection prevention plays a role in minimizing the impact hurricanes can have on people. She combines her microbiology and public health background to advocate for the inclusion of infection control in hurricane preparedness and response Further Resources: How to build an emergency kit by Ready.gov General public health messaging before, during, and after hurricanes and floods. Covers food safety, mold, proper care of wounds, safe water, waterborne diseases: CDC Preparedness and Safety Messaging for Hurricanes, Flooding, and Similar Disasters CDC's Safe and Healthy Diapering for Emergency Settings and Shelters fact sheet CDC's Preventing Diarrheal Illness After a Disaster fact sheet APIC's Infection Prevention and Control for Shelters during Disasters Creating a food safety plan for hurricane season: Foodsafety.gov 2023 APIC Emerging Infectious Diseases Task Force: Infection Prevention and Control for Shelters During Disasters Emergency Water Supply Planning Guide for Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities, 2019
Hear about the intricacies of healthcare equity in this episode of the 5 Second Rule podcast, hosted by Kelly Holmes and Lerenza Howard. We welcome Caldwell Lewin and Jessica Tarabay from the APIC Health Equity Committee, diving deep into topics such as health equity, disparities, and crucial infection prevention strategies. Listen now to gain valuable insights into pressing concerns in the healthcare landscape. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guests: Jessica Tarabay, MPH, MHR, CIC, CPHQ, FAPIC Jessica Tarabay holds a background in public health and epidemiology. Jessica joined Emory Healthcare in May of 2019. She is a purposely driven quality, patient safety, and infection prevention leader with 10 years of healthcare experience identifying areas of improvement through interdisciplinary collaboration, data analysis, and implementing strategies critical for successful outcomes. Jessica is a fellow of APIC, has published and presented on a variety of topics in infection prevention and control, and serves as the Chair of the National APIC Health Equity Committee and 2023 President of the Greater Atlanta Georgia APIC Chapter. Jessica was the recipient of the 2021 March of Dimes "Friend of Nurse" award in Georgia and is a current doctoral candidate in the DrPH program at the University of Georgia. Caldwell Lewin, MSN, RN, CIC, CPHQ Caldwell Lewin is a dedicated healthcare professional with extensive experience in nursing and infection prevention and control. Currently working as an Operating Room Registered Nurse, Caldwell has a diverse background, having previously served as the Infection Prevention and Control system manager for Sentara Healthcare, a system encompassing 12 hospitals in Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina. Caldwell's expertise in Infection Prevention and Control spans various settings, including acute care, critical access hospitals, rural health clinics, long-term care facilities, and ambulatory surgery centers. She has served as a board member for the APIC chapter in New Orleans and participated on the National APIC Health Inequity and Disparities task force. Currently, she co-chairs the APIC Health Equity Committee, demonstrating her commitment to addressing health disparities and promoting equitable healthcare practices.
In the latest episode of the 5 Second Rule podcast, guest Chris Smith delves into the collaboration between the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and APIC, resulting in the development of a school-based IPC Toolkit for Missouri Schools. This initiative equips the school community with valuable resources to enhance infection prevention practices in K-12 schools. Learn more about the toolkit's components, the TEAMS (Training, Education, Assistance, Mentorship, and Support) model approach, impact assessment through pre/post evaluations, and its potential to enhance population health beyond the healthcare sector. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guest: Chris Smith, MHA, Program Manager for APIC Chris A. Smith, MHA, is currently a Program Manager for the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), acting as the project manager for the MO KIDS IPC Toolkit project. Ms. Smith has worked in the public health and medical fields for the last 30 years. Roles that she has held include Environmental Health Specialist and Bio-terrorism Response Planner for Columbia/Boone County Health Department, Communications and Emergency Preparedness Manager for University of Missouri Healthcare, Emergency Preparedness Director for Brigham and Women's Hospital (Boston), Senior Program Manager of the Boston Medical Intelligence Center, Boston Public Health Commission, and leading training development projects for workforce development for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Field Operations Directorate. Ms. Smith is also an adjunct professor for the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, teaching Public Health Issues in Emergency Management. She earned her Master's in Health Administration (MHA) from the University of Missouri - Columbia.
Are you up to date with the latest Infection Control Updates for 2024? Tune into the Five Second Rule Podcast, where hosts Kelly Holmes and Lerenza Howard discuss these crucial updates with Natalya Rosenberg from The Joint Commission. Gain insights into competency-based training, protocols for high-consequence pathogens, ensuring vendor compliance, tips for conflicting MIFUs, and the role of leadership in ensuring quality in contracted services. Don't miss the invaluable perspectives and advice that could greatly benefit your health organization! Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guest: Natalya Rosenberg, PhD, RN Natalya Rosenberg is a Senior Product Director in the Department of Global Standards and Certifications at The Joint Commission. In this role, she is responsible for developing and maintaining accreditation requirements for hospitals and non-hospital programs. Dr. Rosenberg is a registered nurse and previously worked as a clinical nurse in diverse critical care settings. Her experience includes serving as an infection control liaison for several cardiovascular health services and procedural areas. Prior to her employment at The Joint Commission, she was a post-doctoral fellow in cardiovascular and chronic disease epidemiology in minority populations at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine. She developed and participated in several epidemiological studies and co-authored 8 peer-reviewed publications.
Listen in as our hosts, Lerenza Howard and Kelly Holmes, interview the authors of three impactful oral and poster presentations live at the 2024 APIC Annual Conference in San Antonio. Learn about a multi-prong approach to enhance outcomes in a dental unit, insights from a pediatric measles outbreak, and the adoption of a veterinary occupational and infection control assessment for enhanced safety. Discover more details on each presentation in our Further Resources section. Hosted by: Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB and Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC About our Guests: Andrea Lombard, RN, BSN, MPH, CIC, Infection Control Manager, Community Health Services (CHS) Andrea is a nurse. Nursing chose her, she became a nurse when nursing was a vocation path. Andrea became intrigued with infection control and prevention in the 1980's after working on a team under a primary investigator researching the efficacy and outcomes of using chlorhexidine gluconate in the preoperative setting. Andrea learned infection control and epidemiology at the CDC and Emory, became certified in Infection Control, and then pursued a master's in public health. Her career journey has led her to work in a variety of practice settings – acute care, home care, public health, long term care, outpatient, behavioral health, dental, and ambulatory care – with a variety of roles – direct patient care, leadership, management, infection surveillance, prevention and control, quality improvement, program development, community assessments, evaluation, planning, community partnerships, education, and advocacy. Her work in Connecticut has led the State to being identified as the first jurisdiction in the United States targeted to eliminate Hepatitis C. Payal M. Patel, MPH, CIC, Infection Preventionist, Nationwide Children's Hospital Payal M. Patel began her career as an Infection Preventionist at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio in 2021. She holds a Master's in Public Health in Hospital and Molecular Epidemiology from the University of Michigan. Payal is dedicated to her role as a consultant, educator, researcher, and change agent in infection control and prevention. She represents various hospital areas including High Level Disinfection, Gastrointestinal Service Line, Fetal Services, Burn Program and Family Volunteer Services. Payal takes great pride in being an active member and serving as Treasurer of her local Central Ohio APIC chapter. Tammie Hull, MA, BSN, RN, CIC, LSSGBH, Infection Preventionist, Nationwide Children's Hospital Tammie Hull is an Infection Preventionist at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. She is a registered nurse and is a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Healthcare Professional. Her nursing experience ranges from occupational health to student and community health. Tammie began her role as an Infection Preventionist in 2020. She currently serves as an infection control representative to multiple hospital areas including inpatient units and primary cares, along with Employee Health, and sits on the Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection Leadership Committee and the Ambulatory Coordinating Council Committee. Leslie Kollmann, BS, AAS, CVT, CIC, Certified Veterinary Technician/Veterinary IPC, Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota Leslie has been a Certified Veterinary Technician since 2004 and has been working in veterinary infection prevention for about 16 years. She currently works at the Minnesota Department of Health in the Zoonotic Disease Unit consulting with veterinary clinics, wildlife rehabs, zoos, animal sanctuaries, and shelters on infection control and safety issues. Leslie obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical sciences at the University of Wisconsin La-Crosse and her associate degree in veterinary technology from Argosy University. In 2023, she also passed the CIC exam. Further Resources Andrea Lombard poster presentation: Multiprong Interventions, Organizational Behavioral Changes, and Ongoing Monitoring Reduce Dental Unit Water Line Biofilm Growth, June 2021 to Nov2023 Payal Patel and Tammie Hull poster presentation: Lessons Learned from a Measles Outbreak in a Pediatric Population in Ohio Leslie Kollmann oral presentation: Veterinary Occupational Health and Infection Control Assessment Program (VOHICA)
In this insightful podcast, nurse manager Allison Zelikoff explores the history and importance of occupational health, its partnership with infection prevention, and how she found her calling in this field. Find out more about the critical role of occupational health in promoting workplace safety and the challenges this discipline faces including administrative and financial barriers. Listen in to understand the future of occupational health and the crucial connection it maintains with infection prevention. Hosted by: Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB and Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC About our Guest: Allison Zelikoff, RN, MSN, Nurse Manager, Occupational Health, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Allison Zelikoff is the Nurse Manager for Occupational Health at Fred Hutch, a cancer and infectious disease research institute and patient care center in Seattle, Washington. In her role, Allison manages a program that provides direct care to employees following workplace injury, response to bloodborne and respiratory pathogen exposure, large-scale vaccination programs, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration and data analysis aimed at preventing injury and illness among employees in the workplace. Her professional background includes direct patient care serving vulnerable populations in the community setting and at Harborview Medical Center, the region's level 1 trauma center.
In this episode of the Five Second Rule podcast, hosts Kelly Holmes and Lerenza Howard speak with Trent MacAllister, Infection Preventionist at the Washington State Department of Health and APIC Annual Conference Committee member. He shares insights into the abstract review process for the APIC Annual Conference. Trent provides information on how to submit speaker proposals and abstract submissions, discusses common mistakes in submissions, and explains how the committee determines oral presentations versus poster presentations. This episode offers invaluable tips for those looking to participate in the conference. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guest: Trent MacAllister, MPH, MS, CIC Trent MacAllister, MPH, MS, CIC, is an Infection Preventionist at the Washington State Department of Health within the Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Section. In this role, Trent conducts Infection Control and Response (ICAR) consultations with healthcare facilities throughout the state. He has also provided outbreak investigation and response support to acute care, long-term care, ambulatory care, residential treatment, and behavioral health facilities. Trent worked as an infection preventionist in an acute care hospital before transitioning to his current role in public health. Trent is currently the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Annual Conference Committee (ACC) Abstract Sub-Committee Chair and the 2025 APIC ACC Vice-Chair. In his free time, Trent enjoys mountain biking, hiking, hanging out with his dogs at the lake, and traveling the world with his fiancée. Further Resources: "How to Write An Abstract" Reasons for Rejections of Abstracts Submitted to APIC's Annual Conference: Ensuring Transparency and Encouraging Quality
Casey Sherman
Interesting to hear from an Infection Preventionist's perspective. Episode gives an overview of the scary incidents of vaccine-preventable diseases that hospitals see and explores some of counterpoints to fear of vaccination.